Teeth whitening

There are many teeth-whitening products on the market, but they are very similar in that they use the same active ingredients. Over-eager patients can damage their gums and even turn their teeth translucent, so it's best to have a dentist guide you to the best products.

Whitening oxidizes by sending oxygen into the tooth, through the enamel and into the layer (the dentin) that brings color to your teeth. Teeth have "base colors" (hues) of gray, yellow or red-brown, but after using a whitening product, they all turn whiter (They actually have a higher value...another property of color). This oxygen is supplied through the breakdown of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in the whitening product (WARNING: DO NOT USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE OR HOUSEHOLD BLEACH (CHLOROX) FROM A BOTTLE. THEY WILL SEVERELY BURN YOU!)


Tooth sensitivity is very common after use of these products, but your dentist can supply the type of product that has a built-in desensitizer...or you can shorten the length of time you bleach...or you can change to a product with a lower concentration of active ingredient. In-office, "while you wait",  bleaching will typically cause a LOT of sensitivity, since the concentration of bleach is 35%. You will get the same results with at-home bleaching...it just takes a little while longer, typically two weeks at the most.

Whitening trays that don't touch the gums are best because you then avoid gum irritation and tenderness and use less of the whitening product each time you put the tray in.

Avoid the whitening kiosks that are popping up all over at malls. Rarely is ANY dental professional involved and unknown dental conditions can lead to expensive problems. The safest, most reliable way to whiten is to see your dentist.